United for Iran
Job Announcement: Human Rights Consultant

Summary of United for Iran

United for Iran (U4I) is a nonprofit based in the San Francisco Bay Area working to advance civil liberties in Iran by advocating for human rights, supporting civil society, and engaging citizens through technology.

The Iran Prison Atlas (IPA), the foundation of our human rights efforts, is a dynamic database that tracks and publicizes the prosecution and imprisonment of Iran’s political prisoners and respective prisons and judges. We regularly lead and take part in human rights campaigns to protect Iran’s human rights defenders, civil society, persecuted ethnic and religions groups and average citizens exercising their rights. We also support the development of human rights-focused apps like Hafez, which helps activists to securely record and send reports of human rights violations to authorities, as well as help activists acquire legal representation. We utilize the data, stories and network we have created over the years of running the Iran Prison Atlas on our website and on Medium. Lastly, we have begun an exciting new project to work on an Iran human rights barometer to assess the human rights situation in the country.

IranCubator, the foundation of our civic-tech efforts, is a technology incubator that supports the development of secure mobile applications that protect and empower persecuted populations inside Iran. In 2017 and 2018, IranCubator supported the creation of mobile apps that directly empower Iranian citizens to connect, organize and disseminate critical information. In early 2020, we officially launched IranCubator 2.0, and have begun work on additional projects in Iranian civil society development.

Learn more at www.united4iran.org

Scope of Work

This is a mid-level consultant position which will report to the Executive Director and the Senior Human Rights advisor, and will work closely with both the communications and the program team. We are seeking someone who can work 10-16 hours per week on the following:

  • Draft and review human rights content for the organization in partnership with the communications team, including communications content (e.g. newsletters, op eds, blog posts, other web content), and campaigns (e.g. petition language, prisoner profiles, statements/letters, etc.);
  • Review and provide feedback to the communications team on social media content;
  • Provide input to the human rights-related technologies developed by U4I;
  • With the help of U4I’s Senior Human Rights Advisor, train the team’s human rights knowledge, understanding, and analysis;
  • Provide input on human rights focused sign-on letters, petitions and partnerships we are invited to join;
  • In coordination with the U4I Senior Human Rights Advisor, support the human rights program team with program development, content, campaigns and analysis;
  • In coordination with the U4I Senior Human Rights Advisor, provide input to the program team on potential future projects and programs, the evolving mission and vision of the organization and help draft and oversee proposals for funding, including the setting of benchmarks.

Skills and Qualifications

  • In-depth knowledge of Human Rights law – including knowledge of human rights advocacy and campaigning. The ideal candidate will have at least a few years of experience working with Human Rights organizations, and likely at least a
  • Master’s degree or similar education;
  • An understanding of research methodologies for human rights work;
  • Excellent writing and editing skills;
  • Attention to detail and well-organized;
  • Ability to work independently and proactively; and
  • Interest and passion for human rights.

Skills and Qualifications (Not Required, but Helpful)

  • Understanding of the human rights situation in Iran;
  • Fluent in Farsi;
  • Local to SF Bay Area is preferred, though remote work will be acceptable for the right candidate.

Pay is commensurate with experience and track record.

Are We a Match?

We at U4I believe that, like any other relationship, a work relationship thrives when values and cultures are in sync. In that light, we have provided more information about the ideal candidate and ourselves.

You are committed to helping those in need and movement building. You are a leader and team player; flexible, collaborative and with a positive attitude; creative and strategic; and self-motivated and proactive. You strive to do your best and are detail-oriented. You have diplomatic skills and are able to steer conversations towards productive outcomes. You have a strong work ethic.

We hold human rights, Iran, and other communities working for their respective rights close to our hearts. We believe that what we are trying to achieve takes persistence, patience, and hard work. We believe that success comes through broad and long-term collaboration. We believe human rights to be a global issue and the duty of each of us to fight for it. We aim to empower and support our community. We are a start-up with many hurdles and successes both behind and in front of us. We believe in working hard, having balanced healthy lives and having lots of fun!

How to Apply

Please send your resume, answers (see below) and 2–3 writing samples to jobs@united4iran.org.

Instead of a cover letter, please concisely answer the following:

  • Why are you applying for this job? (word limit 125)
  • Briefly describe your human rights campaigning and/or legal experience as related to this job. (word limit 300 words)

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the application is filled, ideally by mid-August.

United for Iran values diversity and provides equal opportunities to all people or entities submitting their qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. People of color, LGBTQI individuals, and women are strongly encouraged to apply.